How to soundproof your apartment from neighbors

Noises in the apartment building: footsteps, music, conversations, moving furniture, all of these can quickly become a source of stress. Fortunately, there are practical solutions to reduce unwanted sounds and transform your home into a quieter space. In this article, I will discuss four methods of soundproofing, some more sophisticated than others, along with visual examples that will help you find the right solution.

1. Sound insulation with mineral wool and plasterboard panels

One of the most effective methods for blocking noise between apartments is to build a false wall over the partition wall between apartments. Using metal profiles, plasterboard, and mineral wool, it is possible to achieve effective sound insulation. Mineral wool is a relatively soft and porous material that absorbs sound vibrations, while plasterboard creates an additional barrier that reduces sound transfer.

Advantages

Increased efficiency at medium and high noise levels
Reduces echo in the room
Improves acoustic and thermal comfort

Disadvantages

This method can only be used during construction
Minimum thickness of 80 mm, reducing the usable area of the apartment
The costs are higher for a soundproof wall compared to a classic plasterboard wall

A room with unfinished walls, plasterboard, and a section of wooden wainscoting, with a door on the right.

Example of soundproof wall with mineral wool and drywall

2. Decorative acoustic panels for walls

If you don't want major work done or dont have the budget for renovations, decorative acoustic panels are an affordable and attractive solution. These panels don't block sound completely, but they have good absorption capacity and significantly reduce echo, making your neighbors' noise less noticeable.

Advantages

Significantly reduces voice noise
Good choice for finishing repairs
LED strips can be installed for a modern look

Disadvantages

Does not handle impact noises well
It is decorative material and can be incorporated into the design if mounted on only one wall in the room

A modern living room with a gray modular sofa with decorative pillows, a floor lamp, and a large plant with leaves in a woven basket next to it. The wall has a distinctive design with vertical wooden slats arranged in squares.

Example of decorative acoustic panels mounted on the wall

3. Ceiling insulation with suspended systems

If the noise comes from above: footsteps, dropped objects, moving chairs, ceiling insulation would be the right solution to get rid of noise. This method can be achieved by installing a false ceiling, which is similar to wall insulation: profiles, mineral wool, and special soundproofing panels, with the difference that different types of metal profiles are used for walls and ceilings, due to weight considerations.

Advantages

Increased efficiency at medium and high noise levels
Reduces echo in the room
Improves acoustic and thermal comfort

Disadvantages

This method can only be used during construction
Minimum thickness of 80 mm, or 100 mm for recessed spotlights, reduces the usable area of the apartment
The costs are higher for a soundproof ceiling compared to a classic drywall ceiling

An image of a false ceiling structure with a grid, tracks, and metal panels.

Example of soundproof ceiling with mineral wool

4. Quick solutions: thick carpets, curtains, and door seals

Not all solutions have to be expensive or complicated. You can reduce ambient noise by using textiles and accessories specially designed for insulation. The effectiveness of these products is not on par with the options above, but they still manage to cope with noise and help keep your apartment quiet.

What you can use

Thick and large carpets to reduce noise transmitted through the floor from downstairs neighbors
Thick blackout curtains to absorb outside sounds
Door seals that you can stick on the inside of the frame to improve sound insulation from one room to another

Advantages

Low cost
Immediate installation
Perfect for tenants who do not plan to invest in repairs

Disadvantages

Low to medium quality of noise absorption

A thick, rectangular carpet in shades of gray and white is placed on a wooden floor. In the background is a modern living room with an open beige sofa, decorative pillows, a fireplace with stacked logs on one side, and a vase with branches nearby. A round mirror hangs above the fireplace, and framed pictures are mounted on the wall.

Example of thick carpet for noise reduction

Soundproofing an apartment doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You can start with simple solutions: textiles, acoustic panels, furniture, and if you haven't achieved the desired result, you can move on to professional methods and do a repair to enhance soundproofing with mineral wool, drywall, or suspended ceilings. The important thing is to choose the right method for the type of noise you are facing and to plan your budget.